I’m Douglas Hoag, Principal Consultant and owner of DCH Technology Consulting, based in Chicago, IL. With more than 15 years in the audiovisual industry, I specialize in consulting, design, and owner’s representative services for complex built environments. My work spans courtrooms, council chambers, emergency operations centers, police stations, and corporate experience spaces, where technology must seamlessly support both in-person and hybrid collaboration. At DCH Technology Consulting, I take a human-centered design approach—balancing AVIXA, SMPTE, AES, ANSI, and AIA best practices with real-world workflows. My background includes global technology standardization efforts with Fortune 500 clients as well as civic projects requiring coordination between state and county stakeholders. I focus on creating cohesive, intuitive systems that support transparency, equitable conferencing, and future-ready infrastructure through solutions like AVoverIP, broadcast integration, and smart workflow design. I’m passionate about helping architects, owners, and technology teams bring their vision to life with audiovisual systems that feel intentional, intuitive, and built to last.

Drew Lobley is an accomplished AV and technology professional with 30 years of experience in driving business growth, fostering innovation, and leading successful teams. From founding entrepreneurial ventures to delivering innovative solutions, Drew specializes in building relationships, delivering impactful solutions, and advocating for the AV industry. As an active contributor to AVIXA’s System Integrators Council and a mentor to colleagues, Drew combines strategic vision with a passion for empowering others. His expertise in professional AV systems, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning, ensures exceptional results for clients and partners alike.

In my role with AVIXA standards and content teams I provide technical advisement and strategic leadership. This primarily includes standards publications and the Exam Guide books. My interests span the broad spectrum of AV/IT technologies and systems our industry provides.  Prior to taking a staff role with AVIXA I worked supporting AV/IT solutions for both public and private education as a "Technology Manager" (roles including repair, installation, design and project management) as well as a longtime volunteer for AVIXA education and standards programs.

As Manager, Italy & Member Services EMEA at AVIXA I lead the EMEA Member Services Team, collaborating with AVIXA's Global Member Services Team. My regions of responsibility are Italy, Benelux & Nordics, Iberia, France and Malta, and together with my Team I give support to AVIXA’s initiatives, courses and events throughout the EMEA region. I also oversee all AVIXA activities in Italy, collaborating also on Italian translation and communication projects. -- In qualità di Manager, Italy & Member Services EMEA di AVIXA dirigo il Member Services Team EMEA, collaborando con il Member Services Team Globale di AVIXA. Le regioni di mia competenza sono Italia, Benelux & Nordics, Iberia, Francia e Malta e insieme al mio Team mi occupo di dare supporto alle iniziative, i corsi e gli eventi di AVIXA in tutta la regione EMEA. Supervisiono inoltre tutte le attività di AVIXA in Italia, collaborando anche ai progetti di traduzione e comunicazione in italiano.